Waaree Clean Energy Solutions has partnered with Zero Footprint Industries (ZFI) by signing an Electrolyzer as a Service (EAAS) agreement for a 2.5 MW Alkaline Electrolyzer system. Furthermore, the entities entered a strategic MoU to supply an additional 50 MW of electrolyzers using the EAAS route for green hydrogen projects across Northern India. This collaboration aims to accelerate the green hydrogen economy, supporting ZFI’s transition for its industrial clients in sectors like mentha oil and steel.
Strategic EAAS Agreement Signed for Green Hydrogen
Waaree Clean Energy Solutions Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Waaree Energies Limited, announced a significant agreement with Zero Footprint Industries Ltd (ZFI) on February 23, 2026. The collaboration involves signing an Electrolyzer as a Service (EAAS) Agreement for a 2.5 MW Alkaline Electrolyzer system dedicated to ZFI’s planned GH2 expansion project in Uttar Pradesh (U.P.).
Crucially, the announcement also detailed a broader Strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under which Waaree commits to supplying 50 MW of electrolyzers via the EAAS route for ZFI’s various decentralized green hydrogen projects across Northern India. This move is noted as a major step toward accelerating India’s green hydrogen economy.
First Project Details and Production Targets
Under the terms of the initial agreement, Waaree will design, engineer, supply, install, commission, and operate the 2.5 MW system from its Dungri plant in Gujarat. The system will operate under a 15-year long-term contract to supply hydrogen and oxygen to ZFI in U.P. This first project is expected to produce approximately ~41 lac Nm3 of green hydrogen and ~20 lac Nm3 of green oxygen annually. This production aims to enable ZFI’s customers—spanning the mentha oil, chemical, steel, and pharma industries—to transition economically from grey hydrogen.
Key Deal Highlights and Speed to Market
The agreement features several impressive highlights:
- Technology: Utilizes proven Alkaline electrolyzer stacks engineered for continuous operations.
- Capacity: The initial deployment is 500 m3/hr, with potential expansion up to 10,000 m3/hr across multiple locations over the next five years.
- Application: Focuses on renewable-powered green hydrogen production for decarbonizing process industries and inland transport.
- Timeline: The first project is characterized as a fast-track initiative, targeting delivery of the stack in the second quarter of FY 2026-27, with commercial operation expected by the third quarter of FY 2026-27, a timeline estimated to be one of the fastest globally at approximately ~7 months.
Industry Perspective on EAAS Model
Mr. Anuj Sharma, CEO, Hydrogen business at Waaree, stated that the EAAS agreement demonstrates Waaree’s advanced electrolyzer technology alongside its strong Operations & Maintenance capabilities, crucial for rapidly growing decentralized green hydrogen demand.
Mr. Anurag Agarwal, Director at ZFI, noted that successful commissioning of the first phase alone is expected to result in carbon abatement equivalent to planting ~400,000 trees, targeting an annual abatement of ~70,000 MT p.a. of carbon.
Mr. Shardul Kulkarni (HydrogenWala), who helped structure the deal, called the EAAS structure a sign of a maturing global green hydrogen market, providing stakeholders with financial stability and a steady electrolyzer pipeline.
Policy Alignment
This collaborative project is supported by the Uttar Pradesh New & Renewable Development Agency (UPNEDA) under its Green Hydrogen Policy 2024, aligning with the 5 MMTPA GH2 production target envisioned in India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Source: BSE
